9 Great Road Trips to Take in Utah
Utah’s landscapes offer an unparalleled variety of experiences, making it a prime destination for road trips. From salt flats that stretch beyond the horizon to narrow slot canyons and alpine lakes, each journey uncovers a different piece of the state’s story. Whether you’re drawn to ancient geological formations, historic towns, or wildlife preserves, these nine road trips ensure that adventure is never more than a few hours away.
Salt Lake City to Moab (3 hours 45 minutes)
The Landscape Arch in Arches National Park near Moab, Utah, during the blue hour.
The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab begins on Interstate 15 before merging onto Interstate 70 and finally U.S. Route 191. Along the way, consider stopping at Price, where you can visit the Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum to see exhibits on dinosaurs and early human history in the region. Farther south, the town of Green River is a chance to visit the John Wesley Powell River History Museum, which showcases the history of river exploration in the American Southwest. Before reaching Moab, take a short detour to Dead Horse Point State Park for expansive views of the Colorado River and surrounding canyons. Once in Moab, you’ll find easy access to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, with opportunities for hiking and exploring geological wonders.
St. George to Zion National Park (1 hour)
Scenic view of Zion National Park, Utah, along the roadside.
The road trip from St. George to Zion National Park lets travelers experience Southern Utah’s landscapes while learning about its past. The first essential stop is Sand Hollow State Park, where you can enjoy a reservoir for fishing, kayaking, or hiking on nearby trails. Continuing east, make your way to Grafton Ghost Town, a historic settlement established in 1859 and abandoned in 1945. Farther along, the town of Springdale at the entrance to Zion has local shops, restaurants, and galleries featuring regional art like the David J. West Gallery. It's perfect for stocking up on snacks for your hike. Arriving at Zion National Park, you can begin exploring famous trails like the Pa’rus Trail or venture deeper into the park for iconic hikes such as The Narrows or Angel’s Landing.
Salt Lake City to Bear Lake (2 hours)
Aerial view of Garden City, Utah, located on the shore of Bear Lake.
The drive from Salt Lake City to Bear Lake is a diverse experience for travelers; it combines urban history with natural beauty as you journey north, with the first notable stop in the city of Ogden. Here, the Union Station educates visitors on Utah’s railroad and transportation history, with multiple museums housed in the historic depot. Continuing north, stop in Brigham City to visit the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, where you can see wetlands and spot diverse bird species. As you approach Logan Canyon, pause at Beaver Mountain for hiking trails or a picnic spot surrounded by alpine scenery. The route ends at Bear Lake. Take in its clear waters and beaches or visit the Minnetonka Cave, which is a unique underground adventure near the Idaho border.
Salt Lake City to Park City (45 minutes)
Park City Mountain Ski Resort and historic downtown in the summer.
This quick road trip from Salt Lake City to Park City is ideal for travelers looking to encounter mountain history, nature, and cultural landmarks in one go. The first stop along the way is Big Cottonwood Canyon, which has trails and picnic areas accessible from the road. Farther along, take a short detour to Utah Olympic Park, a training facility from the 2002 Winter Olympics where visitors can explore exhibits or watch athletes in action. In nearby Kimball Junction, the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter provide walking trails through wetlands and exhibits on local ecology. Upon reaching Park City, historic Main Street offers opportunities to learn about its mining past. Visitors can also ride the Alpine Slide or visit the nearby Park City Museum to round out the day.
St. George to Snow Canyon State Park (20 minutes)
Snow Canyon State Park in Utah within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.
Though short, the drive from St. George to Snow Canyon State Park features stops that emphasize Southern Utah’s rich history and art scene. Start with a visit to St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site, which features well-preserved dinosaur tracks and fossil exhibits. Next, head to Tuacahn Amphitheatre, in the Red Rock cliffs, where you can walk through the grounds and learn about its history of performances and community events. On your way to the park, make one final stop at the Coyote Gulch Art Village, a hub for local artists showcasing pottery, paintings, and more. Once you reach Snow Canyon, make the most of it by discovering its lava flows, sand dunes, and scenic trails like the Jenny’s Canyon Trail, which leads to a narrow slot canyon.
Salt Lake City to Bonneville Salt Flats (1 hour 45 minutes)
Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA.
Driving west from Salt Lake City to the Bonneville Salt Flats is a road trip for those curious about both Utah’s ancient landscapes and its modern history. The first stop is Great Salt Lake State Park, where you can learn about the ecosystem and enjoy views of the lake. Continuing along the route, stop at the Golden Spike National Historical Park near Promontory, where the first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869. Back on Interstate 80, take a break at Wendover, a small town on the Utah-Nevada border known for its history as a training base during World War II. The journey ends at the Bonneville Salt Flats, a natural phenomenon where visitors can walk on the vast, white salt crust or observe land speed record attempts, typically held in August during Speed Week.
Salt Lake City to Logan Canyon (1 hour 30 minutes)
Winter hiking at the Wind Caves in Logan Canyon, Utah.
The road trip from Salt Lake City to Logan Canyon combines family-friendly attractions with natural beauty. Start with a stop at the town of Farmington. Here, the Lagoon Amusement Park is ideal for stretching your legs in a relaxing green space or for a ride. Further north is Willard Bay State Park, where you can enjoy the reservoir and explore the surrounding nature trails. Before entering Logan, visit the American West Heritage Center, an interactive farm and museum showcasing pioneer and Native American life. The drive through Logan Canyon itself is filled with opportunities to stop for hiking or fishing. Key spots include Tony Grove Lake, an alpine destination, accessible via a 7-mile paved road, and Ricks Spring, a natural water feature with interpretive signage.
Salt Lake City to Antelope Island State Park (45 minutes)
Bison on Antelope Island, with the Great Salt Lake and mountains in the background.
Driving to Antelope Island from Salt Lake City is short but packed with stops that mix art, wildlife, and lake views. Begin with a stop in Bountiful, where the Bountiful Davis Art Center features local and regional art exhibits. Continuing on, visit Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, a haven for birdwatchers, especially during migration seasons. Farther along, in Layton, drop by the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve, which has a boardwalk trail and interpretive displays about the lake’s ecosystem. From there, it’s a short drive to the causeway leading to Antelope Island State Park. The island has hiking trails, opportunities to see free-ranging bison, and panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake, with the highest points being Frary Peak at 6,596 feet. The visitor center provides insights into the history and geology of the area.
St. George to Cedar Breaks National Monument (1 hour 30 minutes)
View of Cedar Breaks National Monument from outside the park.
Traveling from St. George to Cedar Breaks National Monument follows Interstate 15 North, with natural and cultural stops along the way. Begin with a visit to Kolob Canyons, a lesser-known section of Zion National Park with short hikes and views. Next, stop in Cedar City, where the Southern Utah Museum of Art and Frontier Homestead State Park Museum offer cultural and historical insights into the region. Continuing east on State Route 14, take a break at Navajo Lake, a high-altitude reservoir perfect for fishing or a short walk along its shores. The journey ends at Cedar Breaks National Monument, where the natural amphitheater carved into colorful cliffs provides a breathtaking final stop, accessible through short trails and overlooks, with elevations over 10,000 feet.
A Roadmap to Utah's Wonders
From the towering cliffs of Zion National Park to the vast expanse of the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah’s road trips are as varied as its landscapes. Each route provides an opportunity to discover the state’s unique combination of history, culture, and natural wonders. Whether you’re visiting iconic landmarks or exploring hidden gems, these road trips offer something for everyone. With easy access from major cities and well-planned routes, they’re the perfect way to experience all that Utah has to offer.
